Cover crops are the real heroes in the world of agriculture. Their job starts after a field is harvested and ends just before the next season’s crop is planted. Expectations for cover crops are high because if they don’t produce, the next crop may suffer.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) can lead to significant outbreaks of respiratory disease in stocker and feedlot operations, and that is where the disease often is most visible. Control at the cow-calf level however, can help prevent those losses, while also reducing the risk of costly reproductive problems. But, says, Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout, cow-calf producers often do not see or recognize the signs of BVD in their herds.

The White House, on March 27, released its National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, a five-year, $1.2 billion plan to fight antibiotic resistance, a plan that includes human and animal health factors.

It’s been talked about for 60 years. It’s better for animals, preferred by most cattle feeders and could provide a 169% return on investment. “2014 was the biggest ‘no brainer’ year in history to precondition your calves,” says Purdue University veterinarian W. Mark Hilton. “2015 could be even better.”

The long-awaited end to beef cow herd liquidation happened in 2014 as the industry abruptly switched to expansion. The 2.1 percent increase in beef cow numbers in 2014 was more than generally expected but not a big surprise as the conditions were right for such a turnaround.

Mob Grazing is a “new” grazing technique that has been slowly sweeping Wisconsin and the upper-Midwest for the last decade. This technique attempts to simulate historical grazing patterns conducted by native herbivores with a range of domesticated livestock.